4/4/2008

Local News in Fleet

Residents’ worries over sheltered housing plan

Plans to demolish four family homes and replace them with 37 sheltered apartments have angered people living nearby.

McCarthy & Stone wants to knock down the homes in Sheldons Road, Hook, and build an elderly person’s complex.

But Hart District Council has been bombarded with nearly 50 letters of objection to the scheme.

Among those strongly objecting are Mike and Brenda Hales of Sheldons Road.

They warn the proposal would result in a “serious safety risk” as the road, although a cul-de-sac, is one of the busiest routes for large numbers of parents taking their children to local schools.

The couple are concerned that the road is narrow and would be totally unsuitable to be shared by major construction lorries.

They said they deliberately chose to live in a quiet cul-de-sac for the safety of their ten-year-old son, but this would be “utterly destroyed” if the development went ahead.

The couple are also concerned about noise, dirt and disruption for a long period of time during construction work. Part of their objection letter states: “This is an enormous building, which will swamp everything around it. It is significantly higher than the current properties and will overlook us significantly, cut-ting out much of the daylight to our living rooms at the front of the house.”

Kenneth and Sandra Pickworth of Middle Mead, Hook, have also objected.

They warn the proposed development is very large and out of keeping with the character of the neighbourhood, which comprises single and two storey detached and semi-detached homes.

They are concerned that the proposed development would stretch back almost to the rear of the very large gardens of the existing four homes that it would replace, therefore dominating the quiet residential area and adversely changing its character.

The couple warn that part of the proposed development facing Middle Mead is three- storeys and would dominate and overlook these homes, resulting in a significant loss of privacy. They are also concerned that the root systems of two very large mature oak trees in the grounds of the proposed development could be damaged during building work and warn the area is already prone to flooding.

Donna and Steve Clayton are concerned about a lack of parking spaces planned for the new development.

They point out that with only 12 parking spaces provided, many residents and their visitors will park elsewhere along the road, which is already used by people visiting the town centre and railway station. The couple say they already consider the road too unsafe to allow their children to play outside unsupervised.

Their objection letter adds: “What will it be like when potentially a further 25 to 125 cars will be coming and going and trying to park in our small dead end road each day? It will be very hazardous and unsafe for pedestrians and residents.”

McCarthy & Stone say its proposal adheres to a number of government planning policies as it gives priority to re-using previously developed land in places with good public transport such as town centres and provides housing that meets an identified need of the community.

The company added: “This well designed development would provide for much-needed elderly housing within an urban location therefore helping to prevent new housing on greenfield land.

“It will also have substantial benefits for traders in the town centre by bringing a resident population who are generally not car owners into close proximity to local shops and facilities.

“Careful consideration has been given to the nature of the site, amenities and neighbours and the character and appearance of the area.

“The proposal represents a positive, coherent and comprehensive development, which properly addresses the site and responds to its townscape context.

“Schemes of this nature are considered to be ‘good neighbours’ in terms of their very low traffic generation and impact on the area.”

Hart planning officials are still considering the application, which will go before the council’s planning committee at a future date.

First printed in: Fleet News and Mail